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The NGOs expressed shock and disgust by his comments against non-Maltese nationals.

“Using inflammatory language and calling for affirmation of the Maltese identity, Dr Delia accused non-Maltese nationals of instilling feelings of fear and insecurity, and of ‘causing havoc with our Maltese identity.

“This language is abhorrent as it is intended to generate hatred, discrimination, exclusion and violence, and has no place in Malta. We unequivocally condemn Dr Delia’s statements and urge him and his colleagues to refrain from resorting to such divisive discourse for the sake of political expediency.”

They said that it was clear that national and global developments hastened the pace of social change. The nation had benefited from a broad opening up of markets, lifestyles and commodities but these developments also brought about uncertainty and growing insecurities.

PN MP Therese Comodini Cachia appeared to back the NGOs' criticism, sharing their joint statement on Facebook and writing that "political discourse should not focus on nationality or race".

PN: Delia was reflecting what the people feel

In a reaction, the Nationalist Party said Dr Delia had spoken of the government's lack of planning on migration, and his comments reflected what the people were feeling.

"That one discusses the social, economic, environmental and infrastructural impact of unplanned fast-growing migration in the context of scarce land and limited resources is the duty of a serious Opposition which seeks the national interest and the interests of all the people," the PN said.

It strongly denied that Dr Delia's remarks were inflammatory in any way.

"On the contrary, at no time did Dr Delia express or imply anything which goes against fundamental human rights or dignity.

"He clearly said that all manner of help should be given to those who were in danger at sea. He also hit out and condemned exploitation, as in the case of those migrants who ended up living in inhumane conditions in a farm, or sleeping on benches."

He also spoke positively about those foreigners who had integrated with the Maltese and spoke on the need for serious planning to promote such integration, the PN said.

At the same time, it was his duty to speak out about the new poverty stemming from fast and unplanned population growth, affecting both foreigners and the Maltese, such as high rents and poor working conditions. This poverty was leading to crime, which was worrying many people.

The PN said it was a proud champion of the constitution whose values included the Maltese identity.

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